RICS Level 1 Home Survey (Condition Report)

When purchasing a home, understanding the condition of the property before you commit is crucial. The RICS Level 1 Home Survey, also known as a Condition Report, provides a clear and concise overview of a property’s general state. It’s designed for modern, conventionally built homes that appear to be in good condition, offering reassurance without unnecessary complexity or technical detail.

A Level 1 Survey is the most straightforward property assessment available from an RICS-registered surveyor. It is ideal for buyers who want professional insight into the property’s visible condition — highlighting any immediate concerns or potential maintenance issues that could become costly later on.

What Does the RICS Level 1 Survey Include?

This type of survey involves a visual inspection of the property’s key internal and external elements. There’s no intrusive testing or moving of furniture; the focus is on what can be seen easily and safely accessed at the time of inspection.

Your report will include a summary of key building features such as:

Roof coverings, guttering, and chimneys
Walls, ceilings, doors, and windows
Floors and joinery
Visible parts of electrical, heating, and plumbing systems
External areas including paths, boundaries, and outbuildings

To help you quickly understand the condition of each area, the results are presented using a traffic-light rating system:

Why Choose a Level 1 Home Survey?

The RICS Level 1 survey is best suited for new or relatively new properties built using standard materials and without major alterations. It’s especially valuable for first-time buyers or those purchasing modern homes, giving a snapshot of the property’s condition so you can proceed with confidence.

While it doesn’t include a valuation or detailed guidance on repairs, it does provide a professional and objective overview that can identify visible risks, defects, or early warning signs. If issues are discovered, your surveyor may recommend further specialist inspections.

Typical reasons to choose a Level 1 Home Survey include:

Is It Right for Your Property?

If you’re buying a conventional house, flat, or bungalow, the RICS Level 1 survey is a sensible first step in due diligence. It’s suitable for around 90% of properties across the UK and provides a professional summary to guide your decisions.

However, if the property is older, unusually constructed, or has visible defects, a Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey may be more appropriate. At Wignalls, we can advise you on which survey type offers the most value for your specific circumstances.

Local Expertise Across Lancashire and Beyond

At Wignalls Land Surveyors, we proudly provide RICS Level 1 Home Surveys across a wide area of the North West. Our experienced surveyors cover Preston, Southport, Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Tarleton, Wigan, Chorley, South Ribble, Liverpool and throughout Lancashire. With local market knowledge and a deep understanding of regional building types, we deliver accurate, reliable assessments tailored to each location — helping buyers make confident, well‑informed decisions.

Secure Your Purchase with Confidence

Buying a property is one of life’s biggest investments. A RICS Level 1 Home Survey from Wignalls Land Surveyors gives you the clear, concise insight you need to move forward safely and confidently.

Contact our team today to discuss your property and book your survey.